Gov. Kitzhaber to sign bill giving break to some young sex offenders

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SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Legislature has narrowly approved a bill that would allow some young offenders convicted of having sex with underage partners to request the crime be removed from their records.

In a 16-14 vote on Wednesday, the Senate sent the bill to Gov. John Kitzhaber. A spokeswoman says he intends to sign it.

The bill would apply to some teens and young adults convicted of sex crimes that did not involve coercion or force. The offender would have to complete all required court-ordered programs and treatments, among other conditions.

Proponents say the punishment for such offenses does not fit the crime. Opponents say people convicted of sex crimes often reoffend and should not be able to have their records expunged.

Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber and Republican state Rep. Dennis Richardson of Central Point squared off Friday, July 18, 2014 in Oregon first gubernatorial debate. The debate was sponsored by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.

Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber and Republican state Rep. Dennis Richardson of Central Point squared off Friday, July 18, 2014 in Oregon first gubernatorial debate. The debate was sponsored by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.